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Athlone (Irish: Baile Átha Luain, "the town of the ford of Luan") lies on the River Shannon near the southern extremity of Lough Ree, some 130 km (80 miles) west of Dublin. The west side of Athlone forms part of County Roscommon while the larger east side lies in County Westmeath. The towns population was 15,936 as of 2004, slightly more than Mullingar's. Athlone sits near the geographical center of Ireland. Nearby are Moate on the road to Dublin, Ballinasloe on the road to Galway, and Tang on the road to Ballymahon, County Longford.
History
Remains of the abbey at Athlone. At the heart of Athlone, both geographically and historically, is the castle. The military history of the town dates back to antiquity. Being located at a ford of the Shannon together with its important position in respect of access to the fertile plains of the midlands, made it of strategic importance and therefore the scene of tribal disputes. In 1001 Brian Bóruma lead his great army from Kincora into the town, with his fleet sailing down the river via Lough Derg to attend the gathering.
A bridge was built across the river in the 12th century, and to protect this a fort was constructed on the west bank in the town by Turloch Mor O Conor. On a number of occasions both the fort and bridge suffered under attacks, and in the late 12th century a motte-and-bailey was built here under the Anglo-Normans. The ruins visible today are those of the castle built in 1210 by Justiciar John Gray.
Further illustration of the importance of the town was demonstrated in the Elizabethan wars when the idea of relocating the Lord Deputy of Ireland here from Dublin.
At the battle of 1690 the Jacobite forced of Colonel Richard Grace repelled an attack by 10,000 men lead by commander Douglas. The following year the Siege of Athlone saw a further assault in which the troops of the king eventually prevailed against the outnumbered defenders.
To the west of the town are the remains of defences built in the 19th century to help thwart a French attack.
Today, not far from the 12th-century castle ruins, the Custume Barracks occupy a large area of the west bank of the Shannon.
The noted Tenor John McCormack was born in here in 1884 at the Bawn.
On the east side of town, off North Gate Street, is an intact example of the famine-era workhouses. The building, renamed St. Mary's Hall, now hosts several youth groups and includes a large meeting room. Within sight of the workhouse building is an historical abbey.
Clonmacnoise, a famous monastic site with a round tower and spectacular Celtic crosses lies about 20 miles from the town on the banks of the Shannon as it twists southward.
Education and industry
The State Examinations Commission as well as Athlone Institute of Technology are both located on the east side of town. The State Examinations Commission is responsible for the preparation and marking of the Junior Certificate exam and the Leaving Certificate exam. The Athlone Institute of Technology is a third level insitution which provides both Degree and Diploma courses.
A new library opened with modern and state-of-the-art facilities and services in October 2004. The town's tourist office is located near the castle.
Athlone's major employers include many global companies (such as Ericsson) as well as successful local firms (such as Elán).
Amenities
Recent developments including the Golden Island shopping centre have made a big improvement to the range of activites available to residents. The local marina is a favored stop among tourists on the River Shannon. The pike fishing is excellent along this stretch of the river. Visitors can also enjoy vistas of the Castle and St. Peter and Paul's on the west bank of the Shannon. St. Peter and Paul's Church (RC) on the west bank of the Shannon. The town library is in the foreground. See also
External links
- Athlone.ie (http://www.athlone.ie) - Information for both tourists and locals.
- AIT.ie (http://www.ait.ie) - Athlone Institute of Technology
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